Ethiopia: Measles Outbreak - May 2017

Glide: EP-2017-000069-ETH

Overview

In Ethiopia, 348 cases had been confirmed and 40 outbreaks reported in Addis Ababa, Afar, Amhara, Oromia, Southern Nations Nationalities and Peoples, Somali and Tigray regions, as of 31 March 2017. The majority of the cases (39 per cent) have occurred among children under five years. Although not yet officially confirmed by the Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH), over 100 cases of measles were additionally reported during the month of April 2017 in Gashamo Woreda, Jarar zone, in Somali region, which would bring total number of cases in 2017 to approximately 450 cases. (UNICEF, 17 May 2017)

The measles outbreak is still persisting. During week 24, a total of 37 new suspected measles cases were reported in the country. Since the beginning of 2017, a total of 2,119 suspected measles cases were reported from across the country. This includes 979 confirmed cases (434 laboratory-confirmed, 490 epidemiologically-linked and 55 clinically compatible cases). Of the reported cases, 18.5% had not received any measles vaccination and 44.1% had an unknown status. Oromia is still the most affected region, with 32% of reported cases, followed by Amhara (28%), Addis Ababa (17%) and SNNPR (11%). (WHO, 23 Jun 2017)

The outbreak of measles is still ongoing but continues to improve. During week 44, 35 cases were reported including 3 lab-confirmed cases. Oromia Region remains the most affected region with 46% of the total reported cases, followed by Amhara 21 %, Addis Ababa 16 %, and Somali 20 %. (WHO, 1 Dec 2017)

The outbreak of measles continues to improve. During week 47, 37 cases were reported from Dollo zone and Jijiga City. Oromia Region remains the most affected region with approximately 46% of the total reported cases, followed by Amhara (21 %), Addis Ababa (16 %) and Somali (20 %). (WHO, 05 Jan 2018)

In 2018, a total of 2 625 suspected measles cases have been reported across the country including 56 new suspected cases reported in week 23. From the total suspected cases reported, 699 are confirmed cases (102 laboratory confirmed, 553 epi-linked and 44 clinically compatible). A total of 18 laboratory confirmed measles outbreaks have been reported up to week 26 and five [Amhara (1) and Somali (4) regions] are currently active. So far, the outbreaks reported are from the regions of Amhara (4), SNNPR (1), Somali (12), and Tigray (1). Between January and December 2017, a cumulative total of 4 011 suspected measles cases have been reported across the country. (WHO, 6 Jul 2018)

In 2018, a total of 3 062 suspected measles cases have been reported across the country. From the total suspected cases reported, 857 were confirmed cases (137 laboratory confirmed, 688 epi-linked and 52 clinically compatible). In week 34 (week ending 26 August 2018), no new suspected or confirmed cases were reported. (WHO, 14 Sep 2018)

26 OCTOBER 2017 | GENEVA/NEW YORK/ATLANTA - In 2016, an estimated 90 000 people died from measles - an 84% drop from more than 550 000 deaths in 2000 - according to a new report published today by leading health organizations. This marks the first time global measles deaths have fallen below 100 000 per year.